THE PERSONAL JTAYS 



p s 

B503 



OF CUBANS 

AND 

ORIGINAL POEMS 



m 



A. 0. BAIN. 




5D4 



Book A luV^ 



Ccpight'N". 



iM^ 



COPYRIGHT DEPOSnv 



THE PERSONAL WAYS 
OF CUBANS 

AND 

ORIGINAL POEMS 



'■■'■M G-.-BkiWS: 



Harry Robinson, printer 
3434 State Street 
Chicago 
1904 



LIBRAKY of CONGRESS 

Two Copies Received 

JUN 3 1904 

Copyright Entry 

CLASS A XXc. No. 

COPY B 







A. G. BAIN 

THE CUBAN ORATOR, COMPOSER AND POET. 



The Personal Ways of Cubans. 



My idea is to demonstrate to the public a few facts of 
the personal ways of the Cubans. Realizing- the fact that 
there will be a g-reat many things in it you have not heard 
and read of. First I wish to relate to the reader it is to be 
reg-retted that the public in g-eneral has the wrong- concep- 
tion of the Cubans and the vast quantity of intellig-ence that 
exist among- them, such as fine and fancy needle work with 
beautiful colors of silk and yarn, making- all kinds of flowers 
for towels and bed spreads, slippers, etc. This is on the 
female side. In regards to the men I am proud to say that 
they are as apt as they can be in many ways, such as catch- 
ing- to different country styles, making and inventing any 
and all kinds of things that are of great value in their 
country. Of course, they have their faults the same as all 
other nations. 

In war the women are as brave, gallant and patriotic 
as the man. They have proved it in every way. During the 
time their property and ownings were being confiscated and 
taken by the Spaniards. The question is oftdn asked how 
do or how did the poor class of Cubans live, it being a 
matter of fact that there was nothing for them to do for years 
as far as earning and salary goes, but I am proud to say 
that God is such a just God, that he will all ways find away 
for the people to live, and in Cuba he has arranged it that 
they might live by gathering the following that one must 



have to live. First the eating; there g-rows all kinds of 
fruits, such as bananas, oranges, figs and the different kinds 
of berries, etc., on which they live principally, and vege- 
tables, such as sw^eet potatoes, rice, beans, ochra, etc., and 
as to w^ashing clothes it is a matter of fact that there are a 
number of them who do not know a wash board, tub 
soap, bluing, starch and several other different things that 
are used in this country for washing purposes; yet they are 
blessed with the knowledge of cleaning their clothes with 
a paddle by turning them over and over and beating them 
lightly assisting by rubbing with their hands with a soap 
weed which they get from the sides of the mountain, and 
another weed of which they used to make their water blue 
and still another weed with which they are able to make 
their clothes stiff. 

A large pan they use for washing purpose has a deep 
indentation in the bottom, which fits over their heads There 
is quite a difference in the poor class and the better class of 
Cubans. The ladies, as a rule, have nothing to do, wear 
their finger nails long and have for them a gold crown which 
fits them something on the order of a gold crown for a tooth 
and use them while entertaining company. Some classes of 
them believe in dancing while others do not. Their music 
is entirely different from the American music. The small 
bands are composed of string music, drums, shot and little 
rocks, arranged in gourds, etc., making their music odd 
but xevy amusing. 

Cuban women never wear hats, but a small shawl or 
tow^el. The poor class do not care for hose, but wear low 
quartered shoes, something on the order of the Chinese. 
Cuba is inhabited by people of several shades of color, but 
as a rule they are fair. Cuba affords as nice a burying 
ground as you ever walked in, with beautiful flowers, de- 
corations and vaults, having inside the large gate a place 
arranged for the purpose of showing the dead for the last 



time before burying-. The chief occupation of the Cubans 
is making- sugar of the sugar cane. Large farms of sugar 
cane, miles and miles long, can be seen. They are a great 
business people, but are very treacherous, although a belter 
class of people than the Cubans never was known, providing 
you treat them right, but right they will contend for till life 
leave their body. 

Now I am proud to say that a wonderful change has 
been made for the betterment of the Cubans, for which they 
are grateful, and of which they take avantage by working 
conscientiously. From two to four families live in one small 
house as a rule. The boys and girls swim together, and 
some ladies of some classes at times take open air baths 
with a thin dress on. They often times walk from ten to 
thirty miles when moving. The horses in this country are all 
small, and if anybody chance to have one, the man rides and 
the women walks with a load of their belongings. There 
are certain months when yellow fewer is raging. When one 
has it and has to go to a hospital and the fever gets too high, 
they have a pretty large sized place made for cooling pur- 
poses, and they will put you in this room on ice until your 
fever goes down. 

This composition is mostly taken from questions asked 
me since I have been in this country. Yet such is the per- 
sonal facts of the Cubans, which to-day is the land of the 
brave and the home of the free. 

By 
AMOS G. BAIN. 



ACTIVE LIFE TIL DEATH. 

It is often said that life is what you make it, 
But to sit down please don't undertake it; 
And, from my experience, I can easily recall 
That living without money is no living at all. 

2. 

Some want to know a way to make a start, 

To get money easy; I've heard them make the remark; 

And then, of course, to them I would reply, 

To never let a good opportunity pass by. 

3. 

An opportunity is something every man can see 
Sometime during life, on land or sea; 
And, if a man takes advantage, then 
He'll be a leading example for other men. 

4. 
And, in the meantime, do not forget to pray, 
And ask the Lord to show you the way; 
In so doing such a consolation you'll witness 
That will help every man through any kind of business. 

5. 
Take my advice and read good books. 
See what a difference it will make in your looks; 
For you will become enlightened in every way, 
Which will cause you to think of the judgment day. 

6. 
Now is the time to stop and think 
Before in the grave your body sinks ; 
When your record will be on the altar read 
Be a good one for he who is dead. 



10 



THE GIRUS DUTY. 

I, as a young girl, do not like persuasion 

To show my ability on this occasion. 

Girls! be as I am, quick, earnest and refined; 

And, when called upon, be ready to get in line. 



It's our duty, as young ones, 

To show our ability to older ones ; 

In doing so, it will cause father and mother 

To be more loving to one another. 



We first should start, in our homes. 
To show our mothers what's in our bones ; 
If wrong to our mothers, we should go 
And ask for forgiveness, then say no more. 



She would then chastise us next, 
Perhaps; out of the Bible read a good text. 
We should listen closely to what she may say 
And in our little brains put it all away. 

5. 

In life there is fun, pleasure and light 

For all of us who will do what is right. 

When on the earth we can do no more, 

Get ready to meet them on that celestial shore. 



11 

RESURRECTION. 

What a glorious thing it is! 

It's my business, as well as his; 

The Easter Sabbath we're able to meet 

And enjoy the teachings while in our seat. 

2. 

Easter is something. Let us get in our minds 
More than talk and literal signs. 
To explain it all I'll try with all my might 
Before I leave out of your sight. 

3. 

Please listen as closely as you can ; 
I'll try to enlighten both woman and man. 
We will first go back to the resurrection day 
And see what the people on that day would say. 

4. 
St. Mathew, Chapter 28, from first down to the tenth; 
We will notice it very careful and see just what is meant. 
I think this will do us very much good, 
To compare their works with others, as we should. 

5. 

And on the cross Jesus suffered and died 

That we might live with tenderly pride; 

Was put in the sepulchre, but rose the third day. 

After the angels from heaven rolled the stone away. 

6. 

Mary came on the same day. 
When Jesus had already gone away; 
The angels spoke unto the woman 
In a tongue I would call the Roman. 



12 

7. 
"Fear not, for I know that Jesus ye seek; 
But he is not here, I'm sorry to speak; 
For he has risen as he said ; 
See the place where the blood was shed. 

8. 
"Tell the disciples without fail, 
That Jesus will meet them by saying, 'All hail' ! 
Jesus said ,*Tell my brethren to go to Galilee 
And they'll be able to see Me.' " 

9. 
We will notice again, from tenth down to twentieth, 
And see whether or no the disciples wenteth 
When they were going to behold some of the watch 
Shown them things which were done in the arch. 

10. 
When assembled with the elders a council was taken. 
They gave money to the soldiers which made them awaken 
Saying his disciples came not to-day. 
And, while we slept, stole him away. 

11. 

And if this comes to the Governor's ears, 
We will persuade him to secure you in tears; 
And, as they were taught, they took the money. 
And it is reported among Jews unto this Sunday. 

12. 
Eleven disciples went to the Mountain of Galilee, 
Where Jesus had appointed them to be; 
Here some of them worshipped, while others doubted; 
Jesus spoke and said it was through me you sprouted. 

13. 

Go teach all nations I am the Lord of Hosts ; 

Baptize in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost: 

Teach to observe things. I commanded you, "No sin." 

I am with you always, 

Even to the end of the world. Amen! 



13 
MOTHER'S HELPERS. 

Ladies and gentlemen, I'll be fair, 
If you have a moment to spare, 
To tell you of a little girl 
That is very happy in this world. 

2. 

If we have a little sister or brother 
And a real good, ideal mother. 
We should do every way we could 
To take her place, when after wood 

3. 

Watch the baby when in the cradle it lay, 
And sing it good songs every day. 
Instead of playing in the dirt 
When mother is out, hard at work. 

4. 
Such a help to her; she'll be so glad 
To know we're trying to earn our bread; 
And, when to heaven we'll have to start. 
Mother will say we've done our part. 

Baby. 
Every morn'ng I used to cry; 
Nobody knew the reason why. 7 

Now I know I did do wrong; 
So, instead, I sing a song. 



14 



A BOY'S EXPERIENCE. 

I am a poor, motherless lad, 

And no schooling have I had; 

My mother died when I was young; 

Since then I've almost wished I was hung. 

2. 

Abused by mother-in-law when to work I would start, 
Which would nearly break my tender heart; 
And when from work I would return, 
It seems she would let my meals burn. 

3. 

When for information I would advance her, 
I would generally get an insulting answer; 
So I would turn around as quick as I can 
And wish to the Lord I was a man. 

4. 

Every day something would go wrong 
Which would cause a continual ding-dong — 
Why dont' you hurry and make haste? 
Next you won't have an eating place. 

5. 
Sometimes I would feel just as fine. 
When she would happen to speak kind ; 
For I would think of my dear old mother 
Before the death of her and brother. 



But to learn, we've all got it to do; 

I might just as well get it as you. 

My mother-in-law is so awful rough 

That it makes me feel, at times, very toug^ 



15 

A MARRIAGE EXPERIENCE. 

A married man, as a rule, during lifetime, 
Experiences things that wreck his mind. 
The time he begins to get on his feet 
His wife will then begin to retreat. 

2. 
She does something against her husband's desires, 
On account of some one else she admires ; 
The same time knowing these things are low, 
And might cause her husband from her to go. 

3. 
At last he finds out she is untrue, 
By watching her closely, as most men do. 
He will then, by giving her this test, 
Tell her probably to do the next best. 

4. 
She will then begin to be as good as pie, 
Put her arms on his shoulders and begin to cry. 
He will say to her, "You are too late, 
Because I have sure had my bait." 

5. 
She will again study and then boo-hoo ; 
Some woman will advise her, "Do as I do"; 
That will not be satisfactory to her, 
Unless some very good luck should occur. 

6. 
And if a man has any pluck, 
He will then begin to have luck ; 
For he will stop and consider his condition then. 
Which will probably save him from going to the pen. 

7. 
So, ladies, be true while with him you be, 
Even though it stings you like a bumble bee. 
When truth is known you can't get along. 
Leave him with kindness by singing a song. 

8. 
You will find that the Lord will be on your side- 
Be careful you're right and still hold your pride. 
Kneel down and pray, both night and day; 
You'll be crowned and blessed in every way. 



16 

DARK DAYS OF 1903-1904. 

The last of 1903, and beginning of 1904, 
Was a winter that I hope I will never see more. 
It caused many a man to scratch his head, 
And many a man wished he was dead. 

2. 

I knew men who were true, but it seems they had to lie, 
And steal so small a thing as a little piece of pie. 
Some stole and stole until this winter left; 
They stole and even stole from themselves. 

3. 

It is really a shame the way some did steal, 
For they stole so much it almost stopped the wheel ; 
.And when the "rent man" would come in, 
They had to say, "You come back again." 

4. 

The agent would leave a notice; they'd be quiet as a mouse, 
And manage to ease out to find a cheaper house; 
They would come back and walk up and down the floor, 
And look around and say this is surely one more. 

5. 

Most every family around has a story to tell 

That would tickle myself, and others as well. 

Some would say what a lesson it is, but I need not holler; 

When summer comes again I will certainly save a dollar, 

6. 

Some of your business men were barely on their feet, 
And out of frozen windows they would sometimes peep. 
He could hear the wind whistling, and also spy 
A few passing people who were saying, "Oh. my !" 

7. 
He would turn around and make this plea, 
"This is the coldest winter I ever did see." 
His wife would look at him. in her peculiar ways, 
,\nd tell him what he should have done in warmer days 



17 



8. 
The sign of the groundhog, they didn't believe that kind; 
And when he came out they paid him no mind; 
But now they will watch for him when time, 
And say to others, "I believe in that sign." 

9. 

Men who used to dress up in their best, 

And come down the street with clothes all pressed; 

But these days they found it different, 

For this warning to them was sufficient. 

10. 

We all from now on will use our thinking caps 
To a better advantage ; and then, perhaps, 
Smooth will our lives be until the taps. 
And the end of this world shall collapse. 



18 

THE KIND WORDS AND THOUGHTS OF 

WM. Mckinley. 

Had we taken in consideration the title above, 
Of William McKinley and the meaning thereof; 
Take notice it is broad, and we should love, 
As Noah in his davs did, the turtle dove. 

2. 
William McKinley always had a deep thought — 
Head of the United States it brought. 
To bear of simple ideas he always fought; 
To gain the right ones he always caught. 

3. 
As a President, a better man could not be found, 
Than McKinley was until the day he vas shot down 
By a low and disreputable man. 
Who should have been blown clear off the land. 

4. 
To the hospital McKinley was taken with care, 
And from his pains caused many a tear. 
His wife he thought of while on the pillow he lay, 
As to what she would think and what she would say 

5. 
And when the sufferer's wife came 
He looked up into her face. 
She saw he did not look the same — 
As she steped into the place. 

6. 
To her he spoke in very soft tones, 
"We must bear up; 'tis better for us both." 
She knelt down and from him she felt the groans, 
And, from sadness, her tears came forth. 

7. 
When the time came for her to leave the room, 
And depart out of his sight, 
She must have felt that the time was soon 
For him to enter into heaven's light. 

8. 
His last words should still ring in our ears, 
That he spoke while sinking down in tears: 
"It is God's will ; His way, not ours, 
Be done, for it's beyond all men's powers.'" 



19 

A LETTER TO SANTA CLAUS. 
One day I sat down in my chair 

To write Santa Clans a letter. 
Mother said he would be better 

If I only would be better. 
2. 
I told him to bring some little toys, 

They are what I love so well ; 
The same he brings other girls and boys 

While in their dreaming spell. 
3. 
On Xmas night my stockings were hung 

On the bed-post by my side; 
While fast asleep, the sleigh-bells rung, 

Came Santa Claus from a long ride. 

4. 

Down the chimney to my stocking came 

And filled it to the top — 
I hope he gave the other children the same 
As he did me at twelve on the spot. 

POETRY FROM POINTS. 

It is impossible to defeat an ignorant man, 
Matters not what argument comes up in the land ; 
It is impossible to patch up a reputation 
So the patch won't show the situation. 

2. 
A wise wife knows it is policy to not always be cross, 
But always make hubby think he is the boss; 
For a man can't love a woman as she thinks he ought, 
Same time attend to work as from childhood he was taught. 

3. 
Beware of a silent man ; he may appear lighter, 
But, with science, the same man may be a prize fighter. 
There has been many a man who got the best of a fight 
Because he had not the nerve to run with all his might. 

4. 
A woman without jealousy is like a kite without a string. 
Flying from the heavens like a bird without a wing. 
Happiness seldom comes to a daughter or a son 
That undertakes to seek always on the run. 



20 

5. 

In this world there would be more lovers 
If a man would follow the advice he gives others. 
Some men never appreciate the value of a home 
Until miles away they chance to roam. 

6. 
We all in this life have a chance to frown ; 
Even the silk umbrella is first up, then down. 
Some men lie too much in bed — 
Some lie too much out of it instead. 

7. 
The average girl has not much use for men 
Who fail to muss her hair now and then. 
Kind acts let us all try to perform, 
Regardless of how others may scorn. 

8. 
To keep up appearances may pull some of us down. 
But we should get up and try to secure another crown. 
Some say a fool is born every minute. 
But I cant' see very much in it. 

9. 
You will find out, in any state or territory, 
Warmed over love is everything but satisfactory. 
When you want a true friend or umbrella at hand, 
Never in sight — is the experience of man. 

10. 
Doing- nothing some men g-et so tired, 
And when they get a job they soon get "fired." 
Trying to get something for nothing may seem funny, 
But it causes many a fool to part with his money. 

11. 
If a woman has number six feet 
And neglects to hide them on the street, 
It is a sure sign her age has ceased her to worry, 
And to marry she is not at all in a hurry. 

12. 
The more wheels a man has the better, he said, 
If they are in his pocket instead of his head. 
I know of several married women who would flirt 
If it were not for them their husbands would hurt 



21 



13. 
A woman drove her husband to drink, 
And then divorced him as quick as a wink; 
She then married him again to stop his sin. 
As she thought remarrying would reform him. 

14. 
Some men are too busy to take a rest 
Until the undertaker puts their hands on their breasts. 
It is all right to credit whom it is due, 
But spot cash is always preferable to you. 

15. 
Some rather blame a man for what he does wrong 
Than give him credit for good work he lets go on. 
Some men speak well of you while in your business place; 
Talk about you like a dog when behind your face. 

16. 
Women dress to please others when they take a spell, 
And eat to satisfy themselves just as well. 
After marriage many eyes are open to the fact — 
More pleasure in pursuit than in possession after attack. 

17. 
Read the above poems over again, 
And tack it down into your brain. 
It will do us good to know the same. 
The writer and composer is Amos G. Bain. 



THE HUSBAND'S DUTY. 

1. 

The husband ofttimes does things that are wrong. 
His cause is generally weak though sometimes strong. 
But do not think, because you are a man, 
Your strength has control all over the land. 

2. 
It's a man with reason has success in life, 
And will listen to instructions from an ideal wife; 
Give your wife credit for knowing a thing or two. 
And avoid doing things that will cause her to feel blue. 



22 

3. 

Do not think because you provide for home 
That your wife always wants to be alone. 
Take her out with you every now and then, 
She may have confidence and in you depend. 

4. 
You should try and remember that Jesus wept, 
And we as leaders should be careful where we step. 
So often we do wrong, I ijiean many a man 
Just by not considering a moment beforehand. 

5. 
If for your interest a wife studies all she knows, 
And does not exactly satisfy you as she goes, 
It's your duty to both instruct and advise 
So she in every way will have a chance to realize. 

6. 
There is one thing we both should take notice to: 
This is a supposed. — friend to you 
Who will usually call and usually smile — 
Such friends you put down on your record and file. 

7. 
Another thng we both should consider 
To love one another though the times be bitter, 
And take the time to kneel down and pray — 
The Lord will always provide a way. 



INDUSTRY. 

1. 

While rubbering as they say with a spy , 
Boys use your brains and a mechanical eye — 
To become a noted man one can plainly see 
That it all comes from industry. 

2. 
Take notice to all of our great men to-day, 
Talk with them and see what they have to say: 
They will tell you quick, and full of glee. 
That it all came from industry. 



23 



3. 

Remember every boy does not have to split rails 
And for blocks and blocks carry water in pails ; 
Nor do we have to be raised in the country 
To show the public our industry. 

4. 

And neither do we have to sell shoestrings 
Collar buttons, newspapers and other things, 
Nor be as valuable as mercury, 
To show to others our industry. 

5. 

In business affairs we should become 

"Great," so it will be known where we are from ; 

In grammar, arithmetic and geography, 

Is where we should use our most industry. 

6. 

Grls, instead of running and playing all the time, 
Stop and notice how far 3'ou are out of line. 
Then compare yourselves with some great lady 
That advances to the top from industry. 

7. 
How can I come to have a name that is great, 
Will I yet have time or is it too late? 
"No," several start at the age of 33 
And come to the top through industry. 



This is composed that we may know right from wrong. 
And consider all facts as we go along; 
We may not sit and wait for a good time to be. 
For to ourselves and others will not show industry. 



And when our toiling days are o'er 
Our industr'al brain we can use no more. 
The credit we will be given justly 
For the good work from our industry. 



24 

SAD ME^IORIES OF THE IROQUOIS FIRE. 

1. 

I will call your att-mtion to the day before New Years, 
When hundreds of Chicap:oans were mourning in tears. 
During the disaster everybody wondered. 
While in the Iroquois lay dead six hundred. 

2. 

They fought on the right of them, they fought on the left 

of them 
For liberty they were trying, 
While at their feet, while in their seats 
Hundreds were dying. 

o 

Liberty several more could have achieved, 
If it were not for loved ones they believed ; 
For in their arms they suffered and died 
To show their true and unlimited pride. 

1. 

I had the opportunity to vis-'t the morgue 
Where several bodies were lying around like dogs, 
They were dead, dead and inscribable 
To such an extent it seemed impossible. 

5. 
Husbands, wives, sisters and brothers, 
Relatives, friends and also others, 
Would visit different morgues every day God sent, 
Trying hard to find their bosom friend. 

6. 
At last, when dear ones they would discover 
In the land of naught and beyond recover, 
They would cause their condition to be a helpless one 
Until the last duty of burial was done. 

7. 
And as the time rolls on from day to day 
The thoughts from our minds has never gone away : 
Until every end of life will expire 
We will always remember the Iroquois fire. 



25 



LIKE A MIDNIGHT SUMMER'S DREAM. 

1. 

How pleasant and luxurious it is 
To sit down by a running stream — 
It's back, back to her home and his 
Like a midnight summer's dream. 

2. 
Oft have I watched the sticks and leaves 
Coming down the little stream, 
The meantime enjoyed the evening breeze 
Like a midnight summer's dream? 

3. 
Did you ever sit on the back porch at home 
And see the tall trees lean, 
And think to yourself while all alone 
Like a midnight summer's dream,, 

4. 
Did you ever hear the cry of a turtle dove 
Which would make one friendless seem. 
While watching the beautiful stars above 
Like a midnight summer's dream? 

5. 
Did you ever go to your library at night 
After a pleasant day you've seen, 
Sit down and read your favorite 
Like a midnight summer's dream? 

6. 
Were your eyes and lines ever made tired 
While on the table your elbows lean. 
To lay your book down it would seem so hard 
Like a midnight summer's dream? 

IDEAS OF BOOKER T. WASHINGTON. 

1. 

The ideas Booker T. has in his brain 
Are a credit to his race — they should not complain. 
Though there are many who will try to find fault- 
But they do not amount to a pinch of salt. 



26 

2. 
There are many to-day who are prospering 
From the ideas of Booker T. Washington — 
From an agricultural and industrial brain 
He teaches to use in sunshine or rain. 

3. 
As a matter of fact his ideas are great. 
To get them the needy should not wait, 
For we, as individuals, both young and old 
Need the ideas from such a brain and soul. 

4. 
If you will read his books and learn of right 
You will come out of the darkness into lijght ; 
For he is a man who deserves honor and praise 
For the great ideas that in him lays. 

5. 
In r'?gard to lectures Booker T. makes 
Of course no one can call them fakes ; 
But some do not like to hear their faults 
When spoken plain and direct to the adults. 

6. 
Booker T. is a man to not bite his tongue 
And speak as if he only had one lung. 
Let it bite or lot it sting 
Nothing but right is the only thing. 

7. 
If these words you would like to dispute, 
Write to the Tuskegee Institute; 

Prof. Washington will answer with his name signed 
Provided the questions are not out of line. 

8. 
If you for years lose time and sleep 
\s he when his ideas were net so deep, 
You will not only speak of faults and a cry — 
You'll have plenty to show before you die. 



FINIS. 



m 3 1904 



